Effectiveness of Lamaze Breathing on Comfort, Labor Pain, and Anxiety Among Primigravida Mothers During the Active Stage of Labor: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

During childbirth a woman is more vulnerable than any other time in her life. The cause for this vulnerability mainly occurs due to labor pain and anxiety. pain associated with labour is unique and it has been accepted as a necessary part of childbirth. The concept of painless childbirth gave rise to many scientific discoveries and researches .As a result, different non- pharmacological methods were tried out to relieve pain. Among them, one of the practical methods that can be used is Lamaze breathing technique. Lamaze method is a 'tool' that helps the women to maintain control during uterine contraction with relaxation. Quasi experimental design was used to assess the effectiveness of Lamaze breathing exercise on comfort, labour pain and anxiety . After obtaining the permission from the Head of the department gynaecology study was conducted among 100 samples on primi mothers, 50 each in experimental and control groups   who met the inclusion criteria. Purposive sample technique was used for selecting the sample.  Data was Collected using demographic variables and comfort level were measured by General comfort questionnaire level of pain was assessed by using Numerical pain scale and anxiety assessed by using Hamilton anxiety scale score of both groups. Lamaze breathing exercise was taught in the experiment. Results: Pre-intervention, both groups reported similar discomfort, pain, and anxiety levels, with no significant demographic differences. Post-intervention, the experimental group showed marked improvements: comfort increased from 0% reporting high pre-intervention to 24% post-intervention, pain levels decreased with 76% reporting moderate and 24% mild pain, and anxiety significantly reduced with 70% reporting mild and 30% mild to moderate anxiety. Conversely, the control group showed minimal changes across all parameters. Statistical analysis confirmed significant improvements in the experimental group across comfort (t=16.68, p=0.001), labor pain (t=25.37, p=0.001), and anxiety (t=24.13, p=0.001). Conclusion: It was conducted that Lamaze breathing exercise could be used in enhancing comfort, reducing perception of pain and anxiety.